CHALLENGES FACING THE ENTRY OF GRADUATES OF TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTIONS INTO SELF-EMPLOYMENT: THE CASE OF NORTH RIFT REGION

Abstract

The importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in nation building and economic development cannot be over-emphasized. Without the skilled technical manpower produced by vocational and technical institutes, industrial development would virtually grind to a standstill. TVET, if made affordable and widespread, can greatly reduce unemployment rates by giving people useful, skills for self-employment. Technical education can greatly improve efficiency in industry and can lead to brilliant innovations. The overall research problem addressed in this study is that despite an increase in the number of unemployed TVET graduates in the automotive field in Kenya’s labor market, few enter self-employment. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the challenges confronting TVET graduates wishing to enter self-employment in the North Rift region of Kenya. Focus will be based on trainees in their final year of study and graduates who have completed their courses specifically in automotive engineering and are out seeking employment in the formal and informal sector. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; establish whether technical knowledge and skills acquired during training at TVET institutions adequately prepared automotive graduates for self-employment; establish whether entrepreneurial knowledge and skills learnt at TVET institutions adequately prepared automotive graduates for self- employment; establish the effectiveness of the industrial attachment placement in imparting hands on skills necessary for self- employment and to establish availability of government support to those who become self-employed. The study adopted a survey research design with a total sample population of 250 respondents. Questionnaires were the main instrument used for data collection. Data gathered was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis. Out of a total of 250 sampled respondents, 120 were instructors while 130 were graduates, where an overall total of 230 questionnaires were returned. The results show that the course content in automotive courses was a challenge and should be reviewed to match the developments in technology in the motor vehicle industry. Another challenge identified by the study was the low rate of employment after completing their courses. Further, despite the industrial attachment providing practical skills to trainees, the attachment was found to be insufficient and should also include experiences in the Jua Kali sector as well. Another challenge was the inadequate knowledge of Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YDEF) and Uwezo funds and the existence of the government policy to award 30% of all government tenders to women and the youth. Finally there was no provision for TVET graduates to acquire small tool kits loans for business start-ups. The study recommended that both industry and TVET institutions should work together to create opportunities for comprehensive internship programme for students and that the Government should set up start-up loans for graduates willing to enter self-employment.